starting safeties had a combined experience of seven yearWithout safety Mike Edwards, the Chiefs will aim to win three consecutive Super Bowls by running it back.
This week, Edwards signed a one-year deal with an AFC team that is not the Chiefs after meeting with the Buffalo Bills.
Last season, Edwards was an invaluable asset to the Chiefs as he filled in admirably for Bryan Cook – who suffered from ankle injury. In a total of 17 games and five starts, Edwards recorded impressive stats: including 51 tackles, one interception along with five passes defensed and two fumble recoveries; amongst which his touchdown return after recovering a fumble over 97 yards during Week18 deserves special mention. Additionally, displaying remarkable consistency throughout the playoffs (including Super Bowl) wherein he started all four matches , Edward made notable contributions through his performances making twelve crucial tackles altogether .
Edwards faced inquiries from the media after inking a fresh contract with Buffalo regarding what enticed him to join the Bills. Additionally, 27-year-old Edwards had reportedly met up with representatives of The Indianapolis Colts while “other teams” were still contenders for his signature. Joel A. Erikson’s account was cited as a reference by Indy Star on this matter.
According to Edwards, the coaching team persuaded him that the team had an excellent safety record by pointing out that both previouss while playing in Buffalo. The veteran player also praised Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde – who are part of the All-Pro Team – describing them as remarkable athletes.
“Two of the league’s best safety pairings were typical,” he commented. We aim to build upon that and improve… So come in ready to work!
According to One Bills Live’s Chris Brown, Edwards will retain his No. 21 jersey in Buffalo even though he previously played for the Chiefs wearing that same number. Poyer used to wear this jersey but left it behind when he joined Miami Dolphins after signing a contract with them. It seems like Hyde is still pondering retirement and remains an uncommitted free agent at present.
Mike Edwards earned a Super Bowl ring with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Having spent his initial four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Edwards struck a one-year contract worth $3 million with the Chiefs. Tyler Boyd, who was picked in round three of NFL Draft 2019 by the Buccaneers, secured his maiden championship ring post their triumphant victory over Kansas City at Super Bowl 2021 wherein they scored ‘31-9’.
Throughout his time with the Buccaneers, the individual who graduated from Kentucky participated in 58 games and started 23. His stats included a total of 184 tackles, seven interceptions, three pick-sixes, twenty-one passes defensed plus three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Last season, the Chiefs were able to add another Super Bowl ring to Edwards’ collection. According to Jordan Foote from SI, general manager Brett Veach made an important acquisition by signing Edwards. During Week 13 when Cook was injured and for three of his following five games played at least 97% of available defensive snaps with a standout performance in Week 14 where he had11 tackles during their loss against the Bills. Now he has officially joined that very franchise as part of the team.
Having signed with Buffalo, Edwards conveyed gratitude to his previous team. He shared on X: “Chiefs Kingdom! Thank you for all that you have done. You welcomed me without any reservations and made me feel like family! Your place in my heart is irreplaceable. Endless love ❤️💛💍.”
The Chiefs’ safety position will remain formidable with Cook and Justin Reid’s return to the starting lineup. Moreover, Kansas City can rely on veteran Deon Bush and Chamarri Conner, a fourth-round draft pick from 2023. Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports praised Edwards as an excellent player for the team in that same year but noted his absence will be felt dearly.
Next season, the defense of the Bills is set to undergo significant changes.
By releasing Poyer, the Bills achieved a $5.72 million reduction in salary space, and as per Adam Schefter of ESPN, they signed safety Taylor Rapp to a three-year deal valued at up to $14.5 million.
Damar Hamlin and Kendall Williamson, who is on a reserve/futures contract, are the Bills’ two other safeties signed for the upcoming season. However, Rapp and Edwards remain as strong options at safety with Edwards poised to assume starting duties alongside Rapp. This decision makes sense considering that Hamlin saw limited action last year playing in just 30 snaps.
According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, there is a possibility for 26-year-old Rapp to step in as an immediate replacement for Poyer. Despite taking Poyer’s jersey number, Edwards is aiming to fill the role previously held by Hyde.
According to Edwards, relinquishing explosive plays can be a game-changer in terms of momentum. He notes that Micah Hyde’s role as the center fielder is vital when it comes to covering ground and reading quarterbacks. After closely studying his films, he believes he shares similar qualities with Hyde such as versatility in blitzing, playing man-to-man coverage and standing strong inside the box area. Edwards aims towards preventing big plays from being made while simultaneously maximizing opportunities for himself to make impactful contributions on the defensive end.